A hostile standoff with Russia is not needed

ON March 16 the Russian Consulate General in Edinburgh, in Scotland, issued the following statement:

Although the Salisbury incident occurred outside of our consular district, its influence on bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Russia is so immense, that we cannot remain indifferent.

First of all, the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Edinburgh is deeply saddened by this incident and wishes a rapid and complete recovery to all its victims, including Sergeant Nick Bailey. Our sympathies are with the local community and all innocent civilians affected by this tragic event.

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As previously stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the March 14 statement made by British Prime Minister Theresa May in Parliament on measures to “punish” Russia, under the false pretext of its alleged involvement in the poisoning of Sergey Skripal and his daughter constitutes an unprecedented and flagrant provocation that undermines the foundations of normal dialogue between our countries.

It is absolutely unacceptable and unworthy of the British Government to seek to seriously aggravate relations further in pursuit of its unseemly political ends, having announced a whole series of hostile measures, including the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats from the country.

Instead of completing its own investigation and using established international formats and instruments, including those within the framework of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons – in which Russia was prepared to cooperate – the British Government opted for confrontation. Obviously, by investigating this incident in a unilateral, non-transparent way, the British Government is again seeking to launch a groundless anti-Russian campaign.

It is with much regret we have to note that the Scottish authorities have unequivocally provided their full support to this hostile standoff with Russia.

We are receiving warm messages of support and consideration from many residents of Scotland and want to thank them all profoundly.

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